Newcastle United will aim to do the double over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group stage when they travel to Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening.
The Magpies smashed PSG 4-1 in October in what was their first Champions League fixture at St James’ Park after two decades. However, a combination of injuries and below-par performances have seen Eddie Howe’s side drop to the bottom of Group F. They suffered back-to-back defeats to Borussia Dortmund home and away after the big win over the Parisian side, leaving them with four points from as many games.
A 4-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday was the much-needed boost the Toon Army needed ahead of their trip to PSG. They must avoid defeat in the French capital to have any chance of reaching the last 16 of the competition.
Newcastle United Team News
Joe Willock has been added to the ever-growing injury list of Newcastle United after the midfielder pulled up in training before the game against Chelsea on Saturday. He has joined Dan Burn (back), Callum Wilson (thigh), Elliot Anderson (back), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Sean Longstaff (foot), Javier Manquillo (hip) and Matt Targett (thigh), who are all ruled out with injury.
Sandro Tonali is serving a 10-month suspension following illegal betting activity, but on-loan left-back Lewis Hall returns to the squad after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea, and Sean Longstaff hopes to overcome an ankle problem in time to fly with the squad to Paris.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs PSG (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope will, as usual, start in goal for Newcastle. The Englishman will need to bring his A-game to keep a clean sheet against PSG.
Defence
Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are likely to continue as the full-backs in the Newcastle lineup, and they will look to help out in attack and protect the central defenders as well. Lewis Hall will be pushing for a start in place of Tino.
Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are likely to continue as a pair in central defence in the absence of Sven Botman and Dan Burn.
The Newcastle backline must stay focused throughout the game to keep an exceptionally potent PSG attack at bay on Tuesday.
Midfield
There is hope of Sean Longstaff recovering from an ankle problem in time to face the French champions. He is expected to replace Lewis Miley from the game against Chelsea, joining Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in the engine room of the Newcastle lineup.
The trio will be expected to keep things ticking in the middle of the park and create goalscoring opportunities in the final third.
Attack
Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon will be deployed in the wide areas in the Newcastle lineup. They will look to add pace, flair and imagination from the flanks.
Finally, Alexander Isak will lead the line for Newcastle in the injury absence of Callum Wilson. Isak marked his return from injury with a goal against Chelsea and should be high on confidence heading into the game at PSG.
